Additional Coverage:
Lethal Strike in Eastern Pacific Raises Questions Over Anti-Drug Operations
The U.S. military’s ongoing “Operation Southern Spear” saw another deadly incident this week, as a strike on an alleged drug-trafficking vessel in the Eastern Pacific Ocean resulted in two fatalities and one survivor. The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) confirmed the strike, which occurred on Monday, February 9.
According to a post by SOUTHCOM on X (formerly Twitter), the operation was conducted under the direction of Commander Gen. Francis L.
Donovan, with Joint Task Force Southern Spear targeting a “vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations.” The U.S.
Coast Guard was subsequently notified to initiate a search and rescue mission for the survivor. A Coast Guard spokesperson confirmed that the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center Ecuador has assumed coordination of these efforts, with U.S.
Coast Guard providing technical support.
This latest incident brings the total number of fatalities in “Operation Southern Spear” to at least 121. The Trump administration, which initiated the campaign, states its objective is to curb narcotics trafficking. Those killed in these strikes have been categorized as “unlawful combatants,” allowing for lethal engagement without judicial review, a claim based on a classified Justice Department finding.
Monday’s strike marks the third publicly acknowledged attack this year and the second to have a survivor. A previous strike in January also resulted in two deaths and one survivor.
However, the administration has provided limited public evidence linking those killed to drug cartels or confirming the presence of narcotics on each vessel targeted. The legality of these strikes has become a significant point of contention in Congress since the operations began in September.
Particular scrutiny has been directed at the initial attack on September 2, which included a follow-up strike that killed two crew members who had initially survived. Multiple current and former military lawyers have expressed concerns to CNN, suggesting the strikes may not be lawful.